[Story] Instead of obsessing over to-do lists, start a to-done list - Bismillah

Assalamu alaikum - I recently noticed a habit that quietly kills my motivation. Whenever I finish something, I tell myself it was nothing. I downplay every bit of effort, and over time I began to believe I never change or improve. A few months ago I went on a spontaneous 25-kilometer hike. We walked for eight hours. A friend was really proud afterward and felt grateful to Allah for the strength. I, however, told myself that because I didn’t collapse, it wasn’t impressive. That same response popped up in other moments, and I eventually realized this wasn’t humility - it was self-sabotage. If I only recognize effort when I’m suffering, I’ll never feel proud. If I only count growth when it’s dramatic, I’ll miss the quiet improvements. If I only call something an achievement when it’s extraordinary, I’ll always feel like I’ve done nothing useful with my life. That mindset made me scared to try new things. I looked at every challenge and assumed it would be too hard for someone like me. I became the first person to tell myself I couldn’t do it. So I decided to keep a to-done list - a simple record of the times I actually did something worthwhile, even if it didn’t feel huge then. I watched repair tutorials and learned some basic appliance fixing. I fixed the air conditioner and the washing machine. I bought sealant and repaired the loose glass strip on a door. I fixed the skirting board that had been falling off for ages. I started putting things back where they belong, and my home felt more orderly and clean. I tried a free local community event and actually got a small desk lamp. I lost more than ten kilograms over the past year, with dua and steady effort. I cycled thirty kilometers in one go. I completed that 25-kilometer hike and really felt my endurance improve. Writing these down changed how I felt. It showed me that I do grow, quietly. It reminded me I should be the first to celebrate my own progress, and be grateful to Allah for the ability. I’ll keep adding to my to-done list. I don’t want to erase my effort anymore. If you relate, consider this a gentle reminder: your progress matters, even when you don’t always give yourself credit. Alhamdulillah for every small step.